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Re: Would like to start nursing

Thanks for the suggestions. I am double pumping now. Its been hard for me to find the time to pump, but I think I fig out a way to get it done.

I've been trying the SNS but my baby doesnt want to suck on my nipple. He may suck twice after he latches on, but he starts to cry as soon as I put him in position to even latch on. I know that he is prob too old to nurse since he has never done it before, but I was hoping he would suck a little bit to help stimulate the milk.

Re: Would like to start nursing

I don't think there are any babies too old to nurse. There are babies who will not nurse. But I'm hoping to start nursing my little guy after he has surgery, and he will be 10 months old when we can start really trying hard at it.

The SNS can be a real challenge. I had better luck when I used a nipple shield over it; my baby could latch to it. A baby who prefers a bottle might like that better as well.

Re: Would like to start nursing

Re: Would like to start nursing

We are using the starter SNS w/nipple shield. I am wondering if its worth it to get the regular one. I am concerned that he may not latch on with that either, but I was thinking since it had different flow rates, he may like it if it comes out faster. I have to keep pushing the thing to try and get milk out and hold him too.

Re: Would like to start nursing

I'll think about renting one. I wonder how long I would need to rent it for.
How do you know what setting is most effective on the pump, should you feel a slight tug or no tug at all?

A hospital grade pump might even be covered by your health insurance. Mine is, so it's only $20 a month. And it's not only effective, it is comfier, which is nice if you are pumping 8-12 times a day. As for how long, just take it month by month.

I turn mine up all the way (gradually!!!). I would say put it at the highest setting you can without it hurting.

Motherlove products can be bought online or at Whole Foods or at a breastfeeding store. I used it, and it helped a little.

I cannot reiterate that the BEST thing is to empty your breasts as often as you can. Even if it is just TWO minutes. When I started pumping in between classes (I had only ten minutes) it made a huge difference.

I also found a hand pump incredibly useful, as I could throw it in my diaper bag and if I got stuck somewhere, I had a way to remove milk and store it.

How much milk are you getting now, mama?

Also!!! The most important thing! Determination I used to get depressed when I had to supplement with formula. Even if he is just getting an oz a day, he is getting breastmilk!!! Tell yourself "I am a breastfeeding mother". Sometimes even the best of us psych ourselves out, and I want to let you know that this process is very frustrating sometimes! But you can do it!